Floodwater in Nebraska Nuke Plant Building Called No Risk

BLAIR, Neb. — Floodwater seeping into the turbine building at a nuclear power plant near Omaha on the banks of the Missouri River is not a safety risk, officials say.

Omaha Public Power District spokesman Jeff Hanson said Monday that seepage was expected at the Fort Calhoun Nuclear Station and that pumps are handling the problem.

Hanson says no nuclear material is kept in the turbine building and that "everything is secure and safe." The plant has been closed for refueling since April.

The head of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission will be inspecting the plant on Monday and talking to OPPD officials.

An 8-foot-tall, water-filled temporary berm collapsed at the plant early Sunday. Vendor workers are at the site to determine whether the berm can be repaired or will require replacement.